'Spin can undo pace-fed Aussies'

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Confident ... Rangana Herath believes his spin can undo Australia in the Boxing Day Test. Source:AP

Sri Lanka spin star Rangana Herath says Australia's batsmen's liking for pace can play into his hands in the Boxing Day Test.

Herath, the world's leading Test wicket-taker this year with 60 scalps from nine matches, gave a glimpse of the damage he can cause by taking 5-95 in the second innings of his side's defeat in the first Test in Hobart.

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That included the wickets of top-order batsmen David Warner and Shane Watson.

The wily left-armer suspects there might be more rewards for him at the MCG on a pitch he expects to lend assistance as the second Test wears on.

He said the rarity with which Australia's batsmen faced quality spin would help.

"Definitely. I know that the Australians, playing even in domestic cricket, they are 80-90 per cent playing against fast bowlers," Herath told reporters on Saturday.

"So with that, I have chances to get wickets bowling spin."

Herath said Sri Lanka's first Boxing Day Test in Melbourne in 17 years was a "remarkable occasion" for the tourists.

But it is unlikely to overwhelm them.

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They handled a comparable situation well a year ago when they beat South Africa in a Boxing Day Test in Durban.

Herath took combined figures of 9-128 on that occasion to be man of the match.

"In South Africa, (it was) the same scenario," he said.

"We lost against South Africa in the first Test and we came back strongly and we did well and we won against South Africa in that Boxing Day Test match.

"That was a remarkable one, because that's the only (Test) we have won against South Africa on their soil."

A win in Melbourne would be the visitors' first Test triumph in Australia.

Herath said experience playing one-day cricket at the MCG had him expecting the support of a very large Sri Lankan contingent in the crowd.

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Phoenix steal point from Mariners

Sneaking up ... Danny Sanchez keeps Nick Montgomery at bay. Source: ROSS SETFORD / AAP

A-League leaders Central Coast extend their unbeaten streak to nine games, but couldn't shake off a determined Wellington, who fought back for a dogged 1-1 draw at Westpac Stadium.

The struggling Phoenix put together a vastly improved performance but looked set for their their third successive defeat after in-form Mariners striker Daniel McBreen's 44th minute goal - his 10th of the season.

However, Wellington treated the 5961-strong crowd to an excellent late fightback, a Dani Sanchez header levelling the scores in the 83rd minute.

Wellington kept pace with the competition leaders for much of the first half, 19-year-old striker Louis Fenton looking particularly dangerous down the right flank.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	12	8	3	1	13	27
2	Adelaide	12	8	1	3	5	25
3	Western Sydney	12	6	1	5	5	19
4	Perth	12	5	2	5	3	17
5	Victory	11	5	2	4	-3	17
6	Wellington	12	3	4	5	-1	13
7	Newcastle	11	4	1	6	-8	13
8	Heart	11	3	3	5	-2	12
9	Brisbane	12	3	2	7	-1	11
10	Sydney	11	3	1	7	-11	10

His combination with 17-year-old Tyler Boyd and the experienced Jeremy Brockie more than compensated for the absence of Paul Ifill, who is out for at least a month following ankle surgery.

The Mariners' composure in midfield, marshalled by skipper John Hutchinson, proved hard to break.

The Phoenix looked to have done enough to go into halftime on even terms only to pay the price for not clearing their line with the Mariners hot on attack.

Keeper Mark Paston could only parry Tom Rogic's initial strike, and although there was a hint of offside, McBreen finished clinically to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at the break.

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Relive all the hoghlights from the game in our A-League Match Centre

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Central Coast worked hard to put the Phoenix away after the restart, and although Wellington created chances, a lack of confidence in the final third meant the Mariners' goal was rarely threatened.

The Mariners continued to run hard, and Rogic was only denied by a superb Paston reflex save as he broke through clear on goal in the 72nd minute.

But substitute Benjamin Totori, who was a handful down the left with his pace following his injection in the 70th minute, sent in a taunting cross in the 83rd minute, and Sanchez looped his header high over keeper Mathew Ryan for Wellington to salvage the draw.

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Siddle can be the new Ponting: Starc

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Leader ... Starc (L) says Siddle (R) is an inspiration for the whole team. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Insisting there's no cause for panic, Australia paceman Mitchell Starc has likened lion-hearted Peter Siddle's presence and energy to that of the great Ricky Ponting.

With Australia's fast bowlers dropping like flies this summer, selectors are once again considering blooding a newcomer for the second Test against Sri Lanka starting on Boxing Day.

But regardless of whether or not Tasmania speedster Jackson Bird follows in the footsteps of Victoria paceman John Hastings and earns his first baggy green cap, Starc says Australia's bowling stocks are in good hands with Siddle leading the way.

The trimmed-down quick took a Test-turning nine wickets in a man-of-the-match display against the Lankans in Hobart after missing the series decider against South Africa due to exhaustion.

"He's amazing. Not just for the bowlers, but for the whole team," Starc said on Friday.

"Obviously in days gone by, Ricky Ponting is there and gets everyone up just by being there in the field and off the park as well.

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"Siddsy, he's well on his way to being someone like that. He's very inspirational how he goes about his business on and off the field.

"As a bowling unit, he probably gets us going. He's the heart and soul of the attack, charging in every over for 60 overs in a Test match, bowling his heart out and having nothing left at the end of the day.

"It's awesome playing with him and I guess he just drags the team along."

Playing his second summer for Australia, Starc said he relished having Siddle as a mentor.

"For me, I'm still learning - I'm only 22 - but playing with Sidds I can take so much confidence being with him," he said.

"Having him at the other end to talk to, like he did with me in the first innings about where I was bowling - where I could have been bowling - to hold up those runs but still be aggressive, it was great to have him there."

Unlike fellow youngsters James Pattinson and Pat Cummins, Starc is yet to break down.

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Cummins called the resilient left-armer an "anomaly" but Starc believes his healthy body is as much good luck as good management.

"I've had my fair share of injuries. I've been pretty lucky the last 18 months to hold together and play a lot of cricket," Starc said.

"I haven't done too many things different. Just making sure I'm doing all my recoveries and hitting the gym when I need to do and making my body ready to go every game."

Australia captain Michael Clarke is in doubt for the Boxing Day Test, but Starc is certain the star batsman will play.

"He'd have to do a lot more than a hamstring injury to keep him out," he said.

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Pocock re-signs with ARU until 2015

Secured ... David Pocock re-signs with the ARU for three more years. Source: Greg Wood / AFP

Wallabies flanker David Pocock is a strong chance to captain Australia at the 2015 Rugby World Cup after re-signing with the ARU for a further three years.

Acting ARU chief executive Matt Carroll announces Pocock agrees to terms until the end of 2015 after earlier this season departing from the Western Force to sign with Super Rugby rivals the ACT Brumbies.

The 24-year-old owns 45 Test caps for the Wallabies since making his debut against the All Blacks in 2008 and has twice been a nominee for the IRB international player of the year award.

The news comes two weeks after Wallabies teammate Quade Cooper re-signed following a tumultuous few months with ARU officials.

"David has made an enormous contribution to rugby as a player and an outstanding individual,'' said Carroll.

"His leadership combined with his form on the field is a huge asset for Australia and the Brumbies.

"We are very pleased to be able to have David available for the Wallabies not only for next year's Lions Tour, but the next Rugby Championship series and quite possibly the next Rugby World Cup in London in 2015.''

The announcement comes after a mixed season for Pocock.

After being named to captain the Wallabies for the first time, Australia slumped to a stunning loss to Scotland in Newcastle.

He then led the Wallabies to a 3-0 home series win over Wales before injuring his knee against the All Blacks in August which required surgery.

Young flanker Michael Hooper blossomed in his absence and retained his spot ahead of Pocock for most of the recent spring tour of Europe.

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Prize money increase for Aus Open

Record prize money ... Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Early-round losers at next month's Australian Open will receive a significant pay rise after officials release the breakdown of the biggest purse in tennis history.

Responding to player demands for a bigger slice of the pie, Tennis Australia has averted a boycott of the opening grand slam of the year with rich rewards for the sport's battlers.

While the 2013 singles champions at Melbourne Park will collect monster cheques for $2.43 million, first, second and third-round losers will also be big winners after considerable prize money increases.

First-round losers will receive $27,600, representing a 32.7 per cent boost from 2012; second-round casualties will pocket $45,500 (up 36.6 per cent) and; third-round losers will pick up $71,000, a 30 per cent increase from the $54,625 this year.

With a record total purse of $30 million on offer, prize money for the fourth round, quarter-finals and semis has gone up by an average of more than 14 per cent.

Prize money for the three rounds of qualifying has also increased almost 15 per cent, while first-round doubles prize money has increased more than 30 per cent.

Players' council representatives Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray were central to the push for more money, arguing that the players were the entertainers and deserving of more.

The game's biggest names agreed it was vital for the lower-ranked players who help make up the 128-strong grand slam draws to receive extra prize money.

Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley has always considered this a reasonable compromise.

"Our motivation is to make a major contribution toward helping ensure professional tennis players can make a decent living,'' said Tiley, the Australian Open tournament director.

"As we have said in the past, it is a real issue and needs to be urgently addressed throughout the sport.

"That is why the biggest increases are in the earlier rounds, qualifying and doubles which in effect rewards a lot of the lower-ranked players for their achievements which, by the way, should not be undersold.

"To just reach the main draw of a slam, a professional tennis player has to be among the top 100 in what is one of, if not the most, competitive professional sport in the world.

"At the same time, we also still want to continue to recognise the incredible drawing power and contribution of the top players.''

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Doohan backs Stoner for V8s

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Switch ... Stoner dropped by the TeamVodafone garage at the Sydney 500. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Motorcycling great Mick Doohan is confident Casey Stoner will be a success if he pursues a career in V8 Supercars.

Two-time MotoGP world champion Stoner has been tipped to compete in next year's Dunlop Series, a minor category to the V8 Supercars championship, following his retirement from motorcycling.

The 27-year-old tested Jamie Whincup's championship-winning Holden Commodore at Queensland Raceway earlier this month, posting impressive times in just his second outing behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar.

And five-time 500cc world motorcycle champion Doohan thinks there's no doubt Stoner will be quick enough to succeed if he chooses a four-wheel career.

"He's a talented guy, he's young enough and I think a little bit of race craft will be the only thing that'll take time," Doohan said.

"Once he's done a bit of testing, I don't think his speed will be a problem - just the race craft.

"He knows how to race so it'll just be a matter of learning where you can and can't put the car on the circuit when you're in traffic."

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Origin better off for future: Ikin

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Resolved ... players like James Tamou won't get a choice in future. Source: Sam Ruttyn / News Limited

State of Origin will be better off under new eligibility rules announced by the ARLC, according to the youngest player ever to represent Queensland, Ben Ikin.

Ikin is fiercely passionate about his home state and believes the new rules will ensure the intense tribalism that makes Origin so special is preserved for the future.

Origin eligibility has been a hot topic for years and the issue reared its ugly head again in 2012 when James Tamou was cherrypicked from New Zealand to play for the Blues.

An even more famous case is Greg Inglis - the superstar centre who has become a legend of the Maroons despite growing up and starting his football career in Bowraville, on the NSW mid-north coast.

Neither of these controversies would have exploded under the new rules, which require a player to have lived in the state he plays Origin for before he turns 13.

"At least we now know that as long as you've spent some amount of time in your home state prior to the age of 13, you're eligible to play for your state, which is fantastic," Ikin told foxsports.com.au in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.

"It links the eligibility more closely to the naming of the contest, being State of Origin, because I mean there's opportunities for those who have moved around later on in life, to end up playing for the state where they started playing rugby league or spent a big part of their life playing rugby league.

"I just think the decision has been made and now everybody knows where they stand - that's the best part about it."

While the new rules have clarified the position of players who have played football in both NSW and Queensland, it has muddied the waters for those who moved to Australia after their 13th birthday, as well as a new breed of footballer - the likes of Melbourne Storm youngster Mahe Fonua, who has resided in Victoria his entire life.

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Speaking on Fox Sports News' The Long Lunch, rugby league reporter Russell Fairfax protested against the fact that the new rules excluded Fonua from a pay cheque because he is now ineligible to play in the game's showpiece.

"Look, I don't think they've gone far enough," Fairfax suggested.

"What about Mahe Fonua? He's the first Melbourne born and bred player to play in the NRL. Can't he play Origin?

"If he resides in Melbourne all his life, he's eligible to play for Australia - which is one of the other rules - but now here's a guy who can't play State of Origin football.

"They haven't gone far enough."

While Ikin had some sympathy for Fairfax's view, he said the new rules were the best short-term fix available.

In the longer term, Ikin says players like Fonua need to be aligned to either NSW or Queensland from the moment they strap on a football boot and made a suggestion for how this could happen.

"I think what they've done is take some clear steps to fix things up in the short term and you'll find that the next round of decisions made around State of Origin eligibility will take a longer term view," Ikin said.

"This may create some controversy, but I think we need to allocate zones for Queensland and NSW, because lets be honest, the way the game's growing it's going to grow outside of Queensland and NSW over the next 20, 30, 50 years.

"So you could very well have, lets say 15 per cent of the games top 30 playes not eligible for Origin.

"My question is that what happens if the next Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk are born and raised in Victoria? You've also got the Polynesian influence in the game and New Zealand influence.

"And at the moment, the best solution in my mind when I've sat down and tried to think it through, is you link zones to NSW and Queensland.

"Now that may mean PNG, north island, south island of New Zealand, WA, Victoria are all allocated a state - either NSW or Queensland - which they are aligned to.

"It means they can still be passionate about their homeland but they know from the start of their rugby league career that they can play Origin and they know who they are eligible to play for.

"It may not include New Zealand or the Pacific Islands, it may just include the other states in Australia, but the upshot is that you'll have all these West Australians supporting Queensland in a market that we want to grow the game, because there's a pathway to the jewel of the crown.

"But it means that both sides are still rooted in Queensland and NSW, and that's the most vital thing."

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What do you think of Ikin's idea to include other states and countries in State of Origin through a zoning framework? Leave a comment below to have your say!

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McLachlan moves closer to AFL top job

Promotion ... McLachlan is viewed as the natural successor to Demetriou. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

The AFL has shuffled its executive structure with Gillon McLachlan promoted to the new role of deputy chief executive officer.

McLachlan has been chief operating officer at the AFL since 2008 and earlier this year knocked by a huge offer to be the head of the National Rugby League.

He will now fill the role of acting head of football operations until a replacement is named for Adrian Anderson, who leaves this week.

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou said other impending and recent departures from the executive team provided an opportunity to review and reposition the AFL's executive structure.

"It is timely to establish a new look team at the executive level to ensure the AFL maintains an organisational structure that is aligned with our future strategic priorities," Demetriou said.

"Gill has made a significant contribution to the AFL across a number of strategic fronts and this promotion is well deserved."

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Wade first wicky to bowl in 29 years

Super all-rounder ... Wicketkeeper Matthew Wade bowls a rare over for Australia. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Matthew Wade became the first Australian wicketkeeper to bowl in a Test since Rod Marsh 29 years ago, in a bizarre roll of the dice by Michael Clarke on day five of the Test against Sri Lanka.

Australia was six wickets short of victory just before tea on the final day when wade was handed the ball and Phil Hughes took over the gloves and pads.

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Wade bowled just one over - a maiden - and his medium pace of 130km/h kept Thilan Samaraweera quiet.

The decision was a strange gambit with the game in the balance as Australia struggled with injuries to front line paceman Ben Hilfenhaus and part-time spinner Clarke.

Rod Marsh bowled 10 overs against Pakistan in Faisalabad in 1980 and another two overs in the penultimate match of his career - the 1984 Boxing Day Test at the MCG. His 12 career overs yielded no wickets and 54 runs.

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Follow the conclusion of the first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia with our Live Blog.

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Live: AUS v SRI, T1 D5

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Lionhearted ... Peter Siddle leads Australia's bowlers to victory on day five. Source: Rick Rycroft / AP

Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle have claimed nine wickets between them to clean up Sri Lanka's batsmen and deliver Australia a 137-run victory on day five of the first Test in Hobart.

Re-live the action as it happened with our live and interactive blog.

You can also follow all the stats, pitch maps and wagon wheels at our Cricket Match Centre.

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1st Test - Blundstone Arena

14 December 2012 - Day 5, Session 3

Sri Lanka 2nd Innings

S. Eranga	6	20	0	0	30
C. Welegedara	0	4	0	0	0
M. Starc	28.2	7	63	5	2.22

Complete

First ball: 10:30 AM December 14, 2012
Location: Blundstone Arena

Match Summary

Australia: 5/450 & 9/278
Sri Lanka: 10/336 & 10/255

Latest comments (all times EDT):

1812: So that's all she wrote here in Hobart, with Australia winning by 137 runs. Mitchell Starc finishes with figures of 5-63 off 28.2 overs, receiving able support from Peter Siddle (4-50 off 26) who was Australia's best bowler. We now turn our attention to the MCG and the Boxing Day Test. Thanks for joining me, Trent Hile, over the course of the past five days and I look forward to your company again in Melbourne. Bye for now.

1805: WICKET! (Welegedara c Wade b Starc, SL 255) Starc wraps things up! He gets a vicious shorter ball to grab the glove of Welegedara on the way through to Wade who accepts the catch. That's five wickets to the young New South Welshman and he's helped deliver Australia's first victory of the summer.

1801: Peter Siddle gets the duties at the other end. He's bowled so courageously in the tough periods today - it would be fitting if he wrapped things up.

1755: WICKET! (Herath 8, b Starc, SL 9-250) Starc has four! Herath does well to dig out a yorker but gets a touch unlucky as he plays it onto his boot and back onto the stumps. There's just one wicket left for an Aussie win.

1751: Eranga plays out a maiden from Watson. There's 78 balls left for Sri Lanka to survive.

1742: In other news, Usman Khawaja has been withdrawn from Thursday's Big Bash fixture and is rumoured to be replacing Michael Clarke in the Boxing Day Test.

1741: The players are enjoying the final drinks break of this Test, with at least 15 overs remaining.

1736: WICKET! (Kulasekara 9, c Wade b Starc, SL 8-247) Starc gets the double breakthrough! He shapes a perfect out-swinger to the right-handed Kulasekara, grabbing a feint nick on the way through to Wade. Just two wickets stand in between Australia and their first victory of the summer.

1735: Herath is offering plenty of little half chances. If one of these don't go to hand soon, Michael Clarke might need to visit a shrink.

1732: We've now got two overs until the final hour where at least 15 overs must be bowled. Starc charging into Herath.

1730: FOUR! Kulasekara rocks onto the back foot against Lyon and belts him to the rope in front of point.

1719: Chance! Close! Starc finds the edge from Kulasekara who attempts to drive, but Watson can't get his hands low enough at slip as it collects him in the foot.

1710: WICKET! (Jayawardene 21, c Hussey b Starc, SL 7-235) Starc strikes! He gets a bit of extra bounce from a good-length delivery which finds the shoulder of Jayawardene's bat, carrying to Hussey at second slip. Good bowling change from Clarke, with Starc doing the job.

1708: FOUR! Not a good start from Starc; too straight to Jayawardene from around the wicket and he helps himself to a freebie with no man at fine leg. SL 6-233

1707: It's a double change with Starc replacing Siddle at the other end.

1705: Clarke introduces Lyon back into the attack. He hasn't had too much impact so far in this Test, but gets the chance to be the hero here.

1700: Kulasekara cops a nasty one from Siddle that cuts back and rises steeply, collecting him in the chest.

1647: Steve says: "At the moment this popgun attack is missing the venom of Johnson, who can still bowl at 145kms. He definitely should play next Test."

Trent says: I think he might get a chance in Starc's place at the MCG, with Bird to come in in the place of Hilfenhaus.

1640: WICKET! ... Siddle strikes but DRS will have the final say! He jags one back past the bat of Samaraweera and cannons into the front pad, with Nigel Long raising the finger after little hesitation. We'll go upstairs first ... but yes, that's out. (Samaraweera 49, LBW Siddle, SL 6-218)

1635: Close! Watson has Samaraweera defending in the air but Phil Hughes at silly mid-off can't react quick enough.

1634: For those of you who missed it, you can check out Wade bowling here.

1631: FOUR! Samaraweera gets a short one from Watson and duly dispatches it to the square leg boundary.

1622: FOUR! The wicketkeeper Jayawardene opens his account with a punch through the off-side to finish the Siddle over.

1616: WICKET! (Mathews 19, c Wade b Siddle, SL 5-201) In times of need, who else delivers but Siddle. The lionhearted quick charges in to Mathews and entices the edge with a ball that just moves away fractionally from the right-hander. Pretty poor shot in the end from Mathews but terrific persistence from Siddle.

1607: FOUR! Mathews fishes uppishly outside off-stump to Siddle but finds the gap behind square for a rare boundary. SL 4-194

1603: Watson gets things underway after tea with all ten of his teammates fielding up inside the circle. Can he make the breakthrough, or will this be Adelaide all over again?

1547: It appears we're seeing everything - bouncers, mully-grubbers, keepers bowling, batsmen keeping - bar wickets in Hobart.

1543: You wouldn't believe this but Wade is bowling around 132km/h. He finishes with a maiden. That's TEA.

1539: Well this is unbelievable. Matthew Wade has taken off the keeping pads to have a trundle, with Phillip Hughes taking the gloves.

1534: After all that, Starc sends the next one whistling past Mathews' nose. I don't think he'll be ducking any more.

1530: Starc charges in from around the wicket with Mathews on strike. He attempts to duck a shorter delivery but it doesn't get high enough, slamming into his exposed elbow just above the arm guard. That will hurt. After a lengthy delay for some treatment, Mathews opts to continue on.

1524: For those who can't see the Aussies rescuing this Test ... the last time Australia failed to win a Test in the first four of the summer was 26 years ago, in the 1986/87 Ashes series.

1519: As Lyon has an LBW shout against a leaving Samaraweera turned down, Ken says: "How much more evidence do the selectors need to see that this group of bowlers, with the exception of Siddle, are nowhere near good enough to win test matches. Hilfenhaus bowls crap, Starc is shaping as Johnson's understudy, Lyon is the most non-threatening spinner in world cricket and Johnson is a pie chucker of the highest order. Time to give some of the young guys a go – those that aren't injured that is."

1511: Lyon returns and the final ball of his over hits a rough patch and almost rolls under the bat of Samaraweera.

1509: Lewis of Macksville says: "If there is anything that our bowling department is missing it is a fast bowler like a brett lee or a pat cummins to get under the batsmans skin. We need a fast fiery spell to be bowled. Pattinson and especially cummins are capable of doing this but we cant keep them both on the pitch."

Trent says: What I'd give to see Cummins and Pattinson operating in tandem...

1505: FOUR! Starc has Samaraweera jumping at the crease but he uses soft hands to guide the ball safely to the boundary behind square. SL 4-174

1501: Watson gets things back underway with Samaraweera on strike. Clarke must be starting to worry with these niggling rain delays. There's 45 overs left in the day.

1437: RAIN DELAY: Some threatening clouds circling the mountains have hit the ground and brought more rain. As the players head off it seems to be easing slightly, but the covers are going on.

1436: Samaraweera cops a nasty one from Watson that climbs steeply and catches him on the gloves. If there was a short leg in there he would have been in serious trouble.

1431: After a slow few overs, the new ball has been taken. There was a hint of reverse-swing with the old ball so the Aussies will be hoping for some conventional shape. Siddle will get first crack to Mathews, who is 1 off 24.

1418: The new ball is now available but Clarke has stalled on taking it.

1409: FOUR! Watson into the attack and throws his first ball full and wide. Samaraweera feasts on the wide half-volley and crunches it to the rope in front of point.

1405: Siddle beats the bat of the new man Mathews and gives him a brief spray to top things off.

1400: The sun is out and play is back underway in Bellerive. It'll be Nathan Lyon bouncing in to Samaraweera.

1333: Just when you thought Australia were on their way, the heavens have opened. We've got a delay at Bellerive.

1330: WICKET! For real this time? Yes! Plumb as you like (Sangakkara 63, LBW Siddle, SL 4-151). Siddle finally gets one that pitches in line and straightens, catching Sangakkara on the pads as he gets caught up on the crease. Umpire Long says that's out. Kumar reviews the decision but to no avail.

1320: WICKET! ... Siddle catches Samaraweera on the front pad with a ball that stays low and Umpire Long gives him out! The batsmen decide to review the decision and it's a wise move too, with Samaraweera getting that front leg just outside the line off off stump. So it'll be NOT OUT. That's two overturned either side of lunch with Nigel Long getting a bit trigger happy.

1321: ZSM of Brisbane says: "Lyon's lack of penetration in the 2nd innings, when he should be posing all sorts of problems, is a worry. Happened against Sth Africa (twice) and is happening again here. Petersen and Herath did exactly what you'd expect a spinner to do, but Lyon doesn't seem to have any answers."

1318: FOUR! Lyon errs short and wide; Sangakkara takes full advantage, punching him through cover-point for the first boundary after lunch. SL 3-150

1309: I hope you enjoyed your lunch - a bit of left-over spag bol in my lunchbox today for those who were wondering -  but the players are back out in the middle meaning we're just about ready to get underway. It'll be Lyon pushing into a generous Bellerive breeze.

1236: Make sure you check out Brett Geeves' latest piece for a giggle over your ham and cheese roll.

1231: LUNCH: Australia take just the one wicket to the sheds after the first session with the danger man Sangakkara successfully reviewing and having his LBW dismissal overturned. The Aussies require another seven wickets, while Sri Lanka need another 248 to win.

1226: It's hard work out there for the Sri Lankans; they're 3-140 off 69 overs. Watson is making a few things happen with some reverse swing and the wicket deteriorating.

1219: Wicket! ... wait REVERSED! Sangakkara cops one of those spooky Watson deliveries that stays low from around the wicket, clipping him on the knee-roll as he attempts to pull. Umpire Long raises the finger! It looked out but Sangakkara decides he has little choice but to review. Hold the phone - he got himself just outside the line of off-stump. That might be the first DRS review that's gone Sri Lanka's way this Test!

1214: As Samaraweera edges Lyon wide of slip for three, Mark asks: "Are you a Bird or Cutting fan? It seems like the Foxsports readers are split on who should replace Hilf. Should be a poll."

Trent says: I'm a Bird man, particularly with the red ball. More of a genuine swing bowler. Plus I'd have to trade Cutting out of my Fantasy Big Bash team.

1203: There's been some reports circulating Twitter this morning surrounding allegations of ball tampering by two Australian players. Check out the story here.

A Sri Lankan newspaper report claims the touring cricket team has accused Australian players of ball tampering during the Hobart Test. "There was a bit of controversy during the Sri Lankan chase for victory in the second innings when two prominent Australians were noticed allegedly tampering with the ball," wrote the Sri Lankan Daily news correspondent, adding "we understand that the Sri Lankan management had brought this ugly side of the game to the notice of the match referee." The report said players "were seen trying to up the seam using their fingers so as to give undue advantage to their bowlers." Cricinfo correspondent Daniel Brettig reported on twitter that ICC referee Chris Broad is "aware of reports but says no official complaint" has been made.

1200: FOUR! Samaraweera comes down the track and is beaten for flight by Lyon, but picks it up cleanly enough to send it two bounces and to the rope at long-on. SL 3-127

1151: Rippersportspro of NSW asks: "Two questions about Siddle. Firstly, how many of his 132 Test wickets have been caught in the slips? Secondly, overall, how many times are we going to see the combination "caught Clarke bowled Siddle" by the time the career of one of those two comes to an end?"

Trent says: I'd have to forward the first one on to the good fellows in the Fox Sports Stats department - the second, I'd say 7-10 percent of his overall wickets.

1145: FOUR! Fifty to Sangakkara: Warner serves up a juicey full-toss to Sangakkara and he dispatches it to the mid-wicket boundary. That's the fifty up for the Sri Lankan veteran. Can you believe he's 35? I reckon he could pass as a 28-year-old.

1142: Siddle gets the chop despite taking the big wicket of Jayawardene, with Clarke favouring the left-armer Starc to Samaraweera. Starc justifies the change with a good over, beating the bat on a couple of occasions.

1137: The new man Samaraweera was out edging Lyon on the final ball of day two - will be interesting to see what approach he takes to Warner. He's yet to get off the mark.  

1131: WICKET! (Jayawardene 19 c Clarke b Siddle, SL 3-119) Siddle finds the breakthrough straight after drinks! He pitches up to Jayawardene with a full-length out-swinger and finds the outside edge. Clarke takes a terrific catch, low and to his right - that would have tested out the hamstring! That's a big wicket for Australia.

1126 says: Filomena Giglio says: "My message to CA – get off your moral high horse, swallow your pride and allow Murali to teach Lyon the Doosera as this could lift him for being almost there to being world class.  From being a part time cricketer 3-4 years ago to being the fastest off spinner to 50 wickets means Lyon has what it takes but needs experience and time to hone his craft (which is bloody hard craft I must say)."

Trent says: I completely agree that Lyon would be well served by some mentoring from Murali, although I'm not entirely sure whether he would be capable of bowling an undisguised Doosra. The guys who bowl it - your Murali's and Ajmal's of the world - are more wristy off-spinners, whereas Lyon is your conventional finger spinner. I think that's why he's developed 'Jeff' which is more of a carrom ball and the reverse spin is imparted by the fingers, rather than the wrist.

1118: A pretty good start there from Warner. He's drifting and landing the ball nicely.

1116: Here's an interesting bowling change from Clarke: David Warner into the attack with his part-time leggies. He can bowl a wicket-taking delivery but I'm a tad surprised to see Lyon discarded so soon.

1114: Jayawardene flicks one away through square and picks up three. The real worry for the Aussies this morning is that we're yet to see a ball beat the edge or misbehave off the wicket.

1108: FOUR! Watson strays down leg with an in-swinger to Jayawardene and the skipper gets a touch on it to see the ball race away for four. That's the hundred up in a solid start from the tourists. SL 2-101

1106: Another nice piece of fielding for the 13th man Jordan Silk, as he races around from fine leg to keep a Sangakkara leg glance to just the single.

1103: Scott of Geelong asks: "Surely if Clarkes hamstring was so bad he wouldnt be out there fielding, or is he resigned to the fact that he will miss the next game and wants to contribute now while he can?"

Trent says: I'd say the skipper is pretty keen to ensure his boys get over the line for the first time this summer, and he'll deal with whatever consequences over the coming week.

1100: Drew from Cairns asks via email: "How is the pitch holding up?"

Trent says: It's played OK so far this morning but once the effects of the roller wear off, I expect we'll see the odd nightmare ball shoot through low and cause a few problems.

1052: We've got a double change, with Peter Siddle replacing Starc at the Church St end. He was very nearly the hero in Adelaide and will be keen to do the business for his skipper today.

1049: Shane Watson into the attack for the first time today. He got a couple to almost roll last night so Jayawardene and Sangakkara will have to be on their toes.

1045: Alex Hutchings of Plymouth says: "Sangakkara needs 103 runs to beat Lara's record of 195 innings to reach 10000 test runs. Could see some history being made."

Trent says: Thanks for the heads up Alex. I must confess I'm a bit of a closet Kumar fan, so that only adds another excuse to give each of his runs a sneaky fist pump.

1040: FOUR! Lyon comes back over the wicket to Sangakkara but drops too short and gets punished through the off-side. That one just sat up and said "hit me". SL 2-86

1034: FOUR! Sangakkara plays another beauty, this time a square drive off the back foot to Lyon for four.

1031: Classic Sangakkara. The left-hander plays through the line with a stylish drive through extra-cover off Starc, picking up three as the ball pulls up just short of the rope.

1026: Comedy of errors there. Jayawardene comes out of his crease to drive Lyon and belts it straight back at the bowler. Lyon cleans up with a nice piece of fielding but then undoes the good work with a wild throw back at the stumps. Sri Lanka pick up two. SL 2-73

1021: There's two main points of interest this morning that I will tick off early: a) the sun is shining and the forecast is clear and b) Michael Clarke is on the field and has resumed his post at first slip.

1014: Starc begins with a maiden. I'm tipping there'll be plenty of those today. Nathan Lyon has the ball at the other end.

1011: Mitchell Starc will kick things off for the Aussies with Jayawardene taking strike.

1005: Good morning all and welcome to foxsports.com.au's coverage of the final day of the Hobart Test. Trent Hile here to guide you through the conclusion of this first encounter between Australia and Sri Lanka. After four intriguing days of Test cricket, the situation is this: Sri Lanka require a further 328 runs for victory with eight wickets in hand with Kumar Sangakkara (18 not out) and captain Mahela Jayawardene (5 not out) to resume.

Don't forget that you can get involved and have your say by emailing us at blogs@foxsports.com.au or by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.

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